The Communities, Housing and Environment Cabinet Advisory Board met on Tuesday, 7 July 2026, to discuss the Annual Corporate Health and Safety Report, the adoption of the Local Nature Recovery Strategy, and a Civic Award nomination. The Board unanimously supported recommendations for all three agenda items.

Annual Corporate Health and Safety Report

The Board reviewed the Annual Corporate Health and Safety Report for 2025-26, which detailed the council's performance in maintaining a safe working environment. Mike Catling, Corporate Health and Safety Advisor, presented the report, highlighting that overall incidents had decreased slightly from the previous year. While incidents at the ice rink increased, the majority were low-level injuries, and efforts were focused on mitigating their impact. Significant progress was noted in reducing incidents of abuse towards staff, particularly at The Amelia Scott, through targeted measures and improved communication.

The report also discussed the implications of Martyn's Law¹, which aims to enhance security at public premises and events. Officers confirmed that work was underway to understand its impact on council sites and events, and advice would be offered to external event organisers. The exclusion of Royal Victoria Place (RVP) from the main incident data was explained as being due to its high visitor numbers and management by an external agent, though the agent ensures all incidents are investigated. The Board supported the idea of benchmarking RVP and The Assembly Hall Theatre against similar venues in other councils, with this to be included in the next annual report.

The Board unanimously supported the recommendations to note the report's contents and approve the corporate health and safety priorities for 2026-27. These priorities include reviewing personal protective equipment, implementing Martyn's Law guidance, reviewing property-specific health and safety policies, and enhancing training schedules and support for staff working from home.

Adoption of Local Nature Recovery Strategy

Councillor Matt Lowe, Cabinet Member for Planning, introduced the adoption of the Kent and Medway Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS). David Scully, Principal Landscape and Biodiversity Officer, presented the report, explaining that the LNRS, developed by Kent County Council, sets out priorities and actions for nature recovery across England, as mandated by the Environment Act 2021.

The strategy is now a material consideration for planning purposes and forms an evidence base for the council's new Local Plan. Mr. Scully clarified that the LNRS does not make specific prescriptions for areas but offers advice on interventions and habitat improvements. Nature recovery measures and their long-term management would typically be funded by developers on their sites, with potential opportunities for developers to contribute to larger green infrastructure schemes. The report also noted that the LNRS is already being used for Biodiversity Net Gain calculations.

The Board unanimously supported the recommendations to:

• Note the publication of the LNRS and have regard to it in decision-making, in line with the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006.
• Delegate authority for considering the LNRS within development management and plan-making to the Head of Planning.
• Publish information and a link to the LNRS on the council's website.
• Continue engaging with the LNRS team at Kent County Council (KCC) or other responsible bodies to ensure ongoing compliance with statutory duties, particularly following local government reorganisation.

Civic Award

The Board considered a nomination for a Civic Medallion. Due to the confidential nature of the nomination, details were discussed in relation to an exempt appendix. Councillor Beverley Palmer had submitted the nomination, which had been supported by an informal cross-party working group. Councillor Jayne Sharratt commented that she knew the individual and the testimonials provided, stating, it's a first-rate recommendation and certainly one that I support and I would urge all other councillors to support it as well because I think it's very dissatisfying. ²

The Board unanimously supported the recommendation to Cabinet that Full Council should support the nomination and approve the award of a Civic Medallion to the individual.

The next meeting of the Communities, Housing and Environment Cabinet Advisory Board was scheduled for Tuesday, 8 September 2026.